Safety is crucial at a construction site. According to the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), every organization should regularly maintain and inspect its cranes to combat construction site accidents.
As cranes lift heavy loads, they wear over time and may break down if not maintained properly, endangering lives at a worksite.
OSHA recommends two kinds of inspections: periodic and frequent. Here’s all you need to know about them.
Requirements for Crane Inspection
Standard 1910.179 by OSHA mentions the requirements needed to inspect a crane successfully. The requirements are as follows:
Cranes must have a timetable for inspection to enhance everyone’s safety.
The crane must be inspected before and after its use
Once the crane is installed, it should have periodic and routine inspections
Only an OSHA-qualified inspector can carry out the inspection of the cranes at the construction site.
Periodic vs. Frequent Crane Inspections
It’s critical for cranes to be inspected more than once a year. That’s why standard 1910.179 by OSHA dictates two different categories for crane assessment based on the time intervals when they should take place.
The intervals differ based on the nature of work, the extent of the crane’s deterioration and wear, and the frequency of movement of crane components.
Frequent Inspections
These types of inspections are either performed at daily, weekly, or monthly intervals. Here’s a checklist for frequent inspection:
Disturbances meddling with the proper operations of the crane.
Leakage or deterioration in pumps, lines, tanks, valves, or hydraulic systems.
Cracked or deformed hooks
Defects in hoist chains
Faults in the rope reeving system
Excessive wear of different components.
Periodic Inspections
These types of assessments are carried out in monthly intervals throughout the entire year. Here’s a checklist for periodic inspection:
Worn tires
Worn out clutch and brake systems
Unsafe or faulty power plants
Wear and tear of chain drive sprockets
Loose rivets or bearings
Overstretching of chains
Deterioration of electrical equipment like push-button stations, controller contractors, and limit switches.
Distorted bearings
Inaccurate crane load indicators systems
Are you looking to ensure crane safety at your construction site?
Crane Warning Systems Atlanta offers a wide range of crane safety supplies that can ensure that. We provide operation aids like crane load monitors, wind speed indicator systems, portable cameras, crane RCI indicators, among other parts, to leverage crane safety systems.
For more information, you can contact us at 770-888-8083.